While millions of people may swear by their preferred method of hand washing, there are some people who make serious handwashing mistakes.
If you’ve been wondering how to avoid common hand-washing mistakes, then you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’re outlining a few of the most common screw-ups and how to avoid them.
Read on to ensure that your hands are clean, clean, clean! Get your mind out of the gutter!
1. Skipping the Soap
This mistake can lead to the spread of germs and bacteria and ultimately cause illnesses. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to rub soap between your hands for at least 20-30 seconds, making sure to build up foam on the front and back of your hands, between your fingers, and make sure to include it under your nails.
If a person is wearing jewelry, they should take it off and rub the soap on their skin. By taking the time to use soap when washing their hands, they will be able to reduce their risk of coming into contact with germs and bacteria.
2. Not Drying Your Hands
Though it may seem like a minor oversight, leaving moisture on your hands can counter the purpose of a hand-washing routine since wet hands can more easily transfer germs. To combat this problem, always use a clean towel or paper towel to completely dry your hands. Make sure to scrub your hands with a towel or paper towel, as well as between each finger, to get rid of any leftover moisture.
Lastly, when drying off hands, check that your hands are not overly dried or peeled: the goal is to have clean and well-moisturized hands. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that handwashing is as effective as possible.
3. Using Anti Bacterial Soap Improperly
Using anti-bacterial soap for handwashing is a great way to prevent the spread of disease-causing bacteria. However, failure to use the soap properly can result in missed germs and make you more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
For effective handwashing, you must use the anti-bacterial soap for a minimum of 20 seconds, ensuring the soap gets between your fingers and the backs of your hands.
4. Rushing Wash
People who rush the process often don’t use enough soap or don’t take the time to build up a soapy lather. This can lead to missed areas of the hands where bacteria and viruses can hide and potentially spread when coming in contact with objects or people.
To avoid rushing the wash, one should remember to take their time and cover every area of their hands, both top and bottom.
5. Skipping Hand Sanitizer
One of the most common mistakes regarding handwashing is skipping hand sanitizer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol whenever soap and water are not available. It is important to use proper techniques and non toxic hand sanitizer to avoid germs and the spread of disease.
To avoid this mistake, it is important to carry sanitizer with you at all times, use it regularly throughout the day, and get in the habit of packing it on any trips away from your home.
Common Hand-Washing Mistakes to Avoid
Overall, proper handwashing is a key part of staying healthy and should not be forgotten. Taking the time to review common hand-washing mistakes can make all the difference in keeping you and your family healthy and safe. Wash your hands today, and make sure your loved ones do the same!
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